DESCRIPTION
The Rose on Colfax at 8315 East Colfax is a .82 acre, 82 unit affordable family-oriented dwelling redevelopment of an obsolete adult club site. The site is located along a major transportation corridor within the East Colfax Neighborhood, an urban district. A five-story mixed-use housing building fronts the primary public access streets, and steps back at the 5th and 3rd levels at the side and rear property lines respecting the adjacent lower scale context. 68 parking spaces are located at the ground floor level. A large landscaped and secure courtyard is enclosed by the L shaped building. This courtyard contains a playground for resident children and a community outdoor kitchen.
Approximately 5,500 square feet of ground-floor space will house an early childhood education center (ECE). Over 2,000 square feet of covered outdoor play space will be provided that allows for year-round exercise and activity for the children, toddlers, and infants. Services will be provided by Mercy Housing for all residents and wrap-around services will be provided to the children attending the ECE and their families.
Architectural Design Features
- Block Corner Building
- Step Down Massing
- Secured Courtyard
- Public Art at Ground Level
- Mile High Early Learning Early Childhood Education Center
Sustainable Features
- Enterprise Green Communities
- Urban Infill Development
- TOD Site
- Denver Green Building Implementation
Project Information
- Client: Mercy Housing
- Building size/acres: 35,688 sq.ft./ 0.82 acre
- Density: 98.9 du/ac, 82 units
- Construction est.: $21M
- Scheduled Completion: 2023
Award
Affordable Housing with Early Childhood Education Center
Designing housing with integrated early education centers can create vibrant and supportive communities by fostering a sense of belonging, improving educational outcomes, and enhancing parents’ access to childcare. This co-location model allows children to learn in stimulating environments close to home, reducing transportation burdens and stress for families. It also creates opportunities for social interaction and community building among residents and fosters collaboration between educators and families.
Examples in Colorado are: The Rose on Colfax, an affordable housing project in Denver that, addresses childcare needs and promotes early learning by partnering with Mile High Early Learning and Mile High United Way. Also, Ascent at Hover Crossing, will also have an Early Childhood Education (ECE) center that will serve families in need in Longmont. In providing programs within integrated spaces, residents can be empowered, families can be strengthened, and a project can contribute to the overall well-being of communities.
VMWP Mixed-Use Housing Projects
VMWP’s mixed-use housing projects connect communities and create pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods where people drive less and use resources more efficiently. The right mix, concentration and placement of uses can spark a neighborhood’s identity. VMWP specializes in designing projects that combine living, working, shopping and recreation. Access to local necessities invites people to walk more, drive less, brings life to the street, and supports both business and the environment.